Women’s Museum of Merano: Stories of Life and Female Legacy

In the heart of Merano, South Tyrol, lies a truly unique institution: the Women’s Museum. This is not a conventional museum displaying objects, but a space dedicated to narrating the history, roles, and evolving identities of women throughout the centuries — offering a fresh and profound perspective on culture and society.

A Museum Born from a Vision

The museum was founded through the initiative of Evelyn Ortner, and it has grown into a vibrant cultural center with a clear mission: to preserve and promote women’s historical and cultural heritage.

Unlike traditional museums, its exhibitions are not arranged in strict chronological order but are organized thematically, showing how women’s lives have changed over time in relation to fashion, work, family, and public life.

A Journey Through Everyday History

The museum’s collection consists of a fascinating variety of objects that once belonged to ordinary women — clothing, shoes, handbags, household tools, and work instruments. Each item tells a personal story, offering a glimpse into the daily experiences, struggles, and achievements of women across different eras.

Fashion and Identity

A large section is devoted to women’s clothing, not simply as a matter of fashion but as a reflection of social status and gender roles. Visitors can admire bridal dresses, restrictive corsets that once symbolized constraint, and garments that became emblems of freedom and emancipation.

Work and Roles

The exhibition explores women’s labor, both domestic and professional. Displays include sewing kits, kitchen utensils, and laundry tools, alongside objects linked to professions once considered off-limits to women, highlighting the expansion of their roles in society.

Emancipation and Rights

A particularly powerful section focuses on the struggle for civil and political rights — from the fight for suffrage to access to education and public life. The museum pays tribute to pioneering women who helped pave the way for equality, honoring their courage and lasting impact.

Visitor Information

The Women’s Museum of Merano is more than a place of preservation — it is a living cultural hub, regularly hosting temporary exhibitions, talks, and educational events aimed at fostering dialogue on gender and social issues.

Address: Via Mainardo, 14 – 39012 Merano (BZ)

Website: www.museodelledonne.it

Email: [email protected]

Phone: +39 0473 234474

Opening Hours:

• Monday to Friday: 10:00 – 17:00
• Saturday: 10:00 – 12:30
• Closed on Sundays and public holidays

Tickets:

• Adults: €7.00–8.00
• Reduced (students, seniors 65+, guest card holders): €5.00
• Children (ages 8–14): €3.00
• Free admission for children under 8, visitors with disabilities, and accompanying teachers of school groups

Guided Tours:

• Standard guided visit: approximately €6.00–8.00 per person (often including entry for groups above a certain size)
• “Feminine Tour” through the city of Merano: around €15.00 per person — an immersive experience exploring women’s stories within the city’s streets and history

A visit to the Women’s Museum of Merano offers a valuable reflection on the past and present of women’s experiences, celebrating their achievements while reminding us of the challenges that remain. It is a space that inspires awareness, dialogue, and appreciation for the diverse legacies of women who have shaped society.

Cover photo credits: Museia16, licensed by CC BY-SA 4.0